Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has come out in&nbsp;defence of his government after five people died during the Indian Air Force's (IAF) mega air show at the Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6).&nbsp;

Amid criticism from the opposition parties, Stalin said the state authorities had provided adequate facilities as requested by the IAF.

"Arrangements were made to conduct IAF Air Show in Chennai Marina. Facilities and administration assistance was provided as per IAF requirement and demand," said Stalin.&nbsp;

"Due to unexpected overcrowding, public suffered after the event in reaching their vehicles and accessing public transport. Next time, we would focus more and arrangements would be done when similar big events are planned,” he added.

Stalin also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh&nbsp;($6,000) from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the families of the victims.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Chennai Air Show Tragedy: Tamil Nadu Government Announces Compensation

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chennai-air-show-tragedy-tamil-nadu-government-announces-compensation-765196/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

<h2>Opposition targets Stalin</h2>

Earlier on Monday, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai slammed the Stalin&nbsp;administration for negligence and compromising on the lives of the victims.&nbsp;

"I was shocked to hear that five people died due to crowding, and more than 200 people were injured and admitted to the hospital during the IAF air show. The only reason for this is that the DMK government did not take care of public safety, failing to provide basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements," Annamalai wrote in Tamil on X.

AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for inadequate planning and poor crowd management.&nbsp;

“Administrative arrangements and crowds were not managed properly, and the police force was inadequate. The news is shocking that people were stuck in heavy traffic, with no drinking water available, and many were hospitalised due to heatstroke. Five people have died so far,” Palaniswami posted on X.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-least-3-spectators-die-over-200-faint-at-marina-beach-during-iaf-air-show-765010">Also read |&nbsp;India: 5 dead, 90 hospitalised as local authorities mess up Chennai IAF Air Show</a>

<h2>What happened in Chennai?</h2>

Despite knowing fully well that more than 1.5 million people were expected to turn up for the event, the Chennai City Police and Chennai Traffic Police did not make suitable arrangements to handle the heavy footfall.&nbsp;

Though the air show was held between 11 am to 1 pm, most people gathered at the venue at least an hour before.

Viral videos showed choked metro stations and Mass Rapid Transport System (under the Indian Railways) stations where people were struggling. The scorching heat and cramped surroundings led to over 200 fainting, with 93 admitted to nearby hospitals. However, five succumbed to death, unfortunately.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has come out in defence of his government after five people died during the Indian Air Force's (IAF) mega air show at the Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6).

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has come out in defence of his government after five people died during the Indian Air Force's (IAF) mega air show at the Marina Beach in Chennai on Sunday (Oct 6). Amid criticism from the opposition parties, Stalin said the state authorities had provided adequate facilities as requested by the IAF. "Arrangements were made to conduct IAF Air Show in Chennai Marina. Facilities and administration assistance was provided as per IAF requirement and demand," said Stalin. "Due to unexpected overcrowding, public suffered after the event in reaching their vehicles and accessing public transport. Next time, we would focus more and arrangements would be done when similar big events are planned,” he added. Stalin also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh ($6,000) from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for the families of the victims. Watch | Chennai Air Show Tragedy: Tamil Nadu Government Announces Compensation × Opposition targets Stalin Earlier on Monday, Tamil Nadu BJP chief K Annamalai slammed the Stalin administration for negligence and compromising on the lives of the victims. "I was shocked to hear that five people died due to crowding, and more than 200 people were injured and admitted to the hospital during the IAF air show. The only reason for this is that the DMK government did not take care of public safety, failing to provide basic facilities and adequate transport arrangements," Annamalai wrote in Tamil on X. AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the DMK government for inadequate planning and poor crowd management. “Administrative arrangements and crowds were not managed properly, and the police force was inadequate. The news is shocking that people were stuck in heavy traffic, with no drinking water available, and many were hospitalised due to heatstroke. Five people have died so far,” Palaniswami posted on X. Also read | India: 5 dead, 90 hospitalised as local authorities mess up Chennai IAF Air Show What happened in Chennai? Despite knowing fully well that more than 1.5 million people were expected to turn up for the event, the Chennai City Police and Chennai Traffic Police did not make suitable arrangements to handle the heavy footfall. Though the air show was held between 11 am to 1 pm, most people gathered at the venue at least an hour before. Viral videos showed choked metro stations and Mass Rapid Transport System (under the Indian Railways) stations where people were struggling. The scorching heat and cramped surroundings led to over 200 fainting, with 93 admitted to nearby hospitals. However, five succumbed to death, unfortunately. (With inputs from agencies)

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin defends government after opposition attacks over 5 deaths at IAF show

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis.

The prime minister was at an event in Chennai to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for government projects, including highways, railways, gas pipelines and housing, worth over Rs. 31,000 crores.&nbsp;

The prime minister's emphasis on India's assistance to Sri Lanka gains significance, given the deep cultural and linguistic ties shared between the people of Tamil Nadu and the Sri Lankan Tamils.

It is notable that Tamil Nadu is the most proximate Indian state to Sri Lanka and that Lankan nationals have been fleeing, via fishing boats, from their homeland to illegally enter the southern state. So far, nearly 70 people, including senior citizens, women and infants, have fled since the economic crisis began there.&nbsp;

Modi also elaborated on the assistance that Indian organisations and private individuals have been offering to Sri Lanka, especially the Lankan Tamil community that is spread across the north, east and central highland regions of the Indian Ocean littoral state.

Further, he listed out that the Indian government is undertaking projects that are spread across the domains of healthcare, transportation, housing and culture, to support the Tamil people of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;

Since March 2022, Sri Lanka has been witnessing skyrocketing prices of essentials and a massive shortage of foreign currency that has further crippled its ability to import fuel and other commodities.

This economic crisis has also sparked severe protests and political unrest in the island nation, with common people&nbsp;occupying the entrance to the president's office and demanding his resignation.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the prime minister’s post earlier this month. Following this, veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had already served as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for five terms, was re-appointed as the country's premiere.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis.

"As a close friend and neighbour, India is providing all possible support to Sri Lanka, including financial support, fuel, food, medicines and other essential items" Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday, referring to the island nation's ongoing economic crisis. The prime minister was at an event in Chennai to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for government projects, including highways, railways, gas pipelines and housing, worth over Rs. 31,000 crores. The prime minister's emphasis on India's assistance to Sri Lanka gains significance, given the deep cultural and linguistic ties shared between the people of Tamil Nadu and the Sri Lankan Tamils. It is notable that Tamil Nadu is the most proximate Indian state to Sri Lanka and that Lankan nationals have been fleeing, via fishing boats, from their homeland to illegally enter the southern state. So far, nearly 70 people, including senior citizens, women and infants, have fled since the economic crisis began there. Modi also elaborated on the assistance that Indian organisations and private individuals have been offering to Sri Lanka, especially the Lankan Tamil community that is spread across the north, east and central highland regions of the Indian Ocean littoral state. Further, he listed out that the Indian government is undertaking projects that are spread across the domains of healthcare, transportation, housing and culture, to support the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. Since March 2022, Sri Lanka has been witnessing skyrocketing prices of essentials and a massive shortage of foreign currency that has further crippled its ability to import fuel and other commodities. This economic crisis has also sparked severe protests and political unrest in the island nation, with common people occupying the entrance to the president's office and demanding his resignation. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's brother Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned from the prime minister’s post earlier this month. Following this, veteran politician Ranil Wickremesinghe, who had already served as Sri Lanka's Prime Minister for five terms, was re-appointed as the country's premiere. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As a close friend & neighbour, India providing all possible assistance to Sri Lanka, says PM Modi

In his first move as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin has signed five orders that are aimed at fulfilling some of his poll promises and COVID-19 relief measures.&nbsp;

As per the government, at the cost of INR 4153.39 cr to the state exchequer, INR 2,000 would be provided in the month of May as COVID-19&nbsp;relief for rice-card holders, which covers about 2.07cr families. This is the first installment of the COVID-19&nbsp;aid that was announced as a poll promise.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kamal-haasans-political-party-makkal-needhi-maiam-crumbles-sees-multiple-resignations-383333" hreflang="en">Kamal Haasan’s political party Makkal Needhi Maiam crumbles, sees multiple resignations</a>

In another measure announced to fulfill a poll promise, Aavin, the state-run milk producers union, has been asked to slash prices of milk by 3 rupees per litre in their retail outlets. This will be effective from May 16.&nbsp;

Stalin has also implemented free travel (without tickets) for all women including those pursuing higher education, working in government institutions and also in&nbsp;ordinary buses. The government would pay INR 1,200cr to the State Transport Corporation as a subsidy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mk-stalins-cabinet-to-have-33-ministers-his-son-not-included-only-2-women-383254" hreflang="en">MK Stalin’s cabinet to have 33 ministers; his son not included, only 2 women</a>

The state government would bear the costs of treatment for COVID-19&nbsp;patients incurred in private hospitals under the Chief Minster’s Healthcare scheme.

He has also signalled the formation of a new department headed by an IAS officer to solve the issues faced by the people. Stalin had collected grievances from people across the state during his tours and assured people of resolving them within 100 days of coming to power. This initiative would be called “Chief Minister in your Constituency”.&nbsp;

COVID-19 is expected to be the major challenge for the new administration, as experts predict that handling the situation over the next two months would be crucial for Tamil Nadu.&nbsp;

After being sworn in at the Raj Bhavan by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Stalin headed for his late father and former Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi’s residence in Gopalapuram to pay his respects.

He turned emotional and was consoled by his sister Selvi.

At Raj Bhavan during the oath-taking, Stalin’s wife Durga too turned emotional on hearing her husband saying "I Muthuvel Karunanidhi…."&nbsp;while being administered the oath.

&nbsp;

In his first move as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin has signed five orders that are aimed at fulfilling some of his poll promises and COVID-19 relief measures.

In his first move as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, MK Stalin has signed five orders that are aimed at fulfilling some of his poll promises and COVID-19 relief measures. As per the government, at the cost of INR 4153.39 cr to the state exchequer, INR 2,000 would be provided in the month of May as COVID-19 relief for rice-card holders, which covers about 2.07cr families. This is the first installment of the COVID-19 aid that was announced as a poll promise. Also read | Kamal Haasan’s political party Makkal Needhi Maiam crumbles, sees multiple resignations In another measure announced to fulfill a poll promise, Aavin, the state-run milk producers union, has been asked to slash prices of milk by 3 rupees per litre in their retail outlets. This will be effective from May 16. Stalin has also implemented free travel (without tickets) for all women including those pursuing higher education, working in government institutions and also in ordinary buses. The government would pay INR 1,200cr to the State Transport Corporation as a subsidy. Also read | MK Stalin’s cabinet to have 33 ministers; his son not included, only 2 women The state government would bear the costs of treatment for COVID-19 patients incurred in private hospitals under the Chief Minster’s Healthcare scheme. He has also signalled the formation of a new department headed by an IAS officer to solve the issues faced by the people. Stalin had collected grievances from people across the state during his tours and assured people of resolving them within 100 days of coming to power. This initiative would be called “Chief Minister in your Constituency”. COVID-19 is expected to be the major challenge for the new administration, as experts predict that handling the situation over the next two months would be crucial for Tamil Nadu. After being sworn in at the Raj Bhavan by Governor Banwarilal Purohit, Stalin headed for his late father and former Chief Minister M.Karunanidhi’s residence in Gopalapuram to pay his respects. He turned emotional and was consoled by his sister Selvi. At Raj Bhavan during the oath-taking, Stalin’s wife Durga too turned emotional on hearing her husband saying "I Muthuvel Karunanidhi…." while being administered the oath.

Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin signs five orders on poll promises, COVID-19 relief on day 1

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister-designate and Dravide Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin will have a 33-member cabinet.

Stalin’s oath-taking will be held at 9 am on Friday in a small ceremony at the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence) in Chennai, amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.&nbsp;

The list of ministers released by the government does not include Chepauk MLA and Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi (who has been at the receiving end of criticism regarding blatant nepotism). It features only two women - Geetha Jeevan and Kayalvizhi Selvaraj.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, Stalin has urged his partymen and cadre to watch the swearing-in ceremony on television from their&nbsp;homes, given the pandemic surge.&nbsp;

In a statement, he said he had hoped for a swearing-in where he could take oath in the presence of their party cadre that led their party to victory, but now it has become impossible owing to the pandemic.&nbsp;

This is the sixth time that a DMK government will be sworn in to rule Tamil Nadu. DMK founder CN Annadurai was the first leader from the party to be elected chief minister in 1967.&nbsp;

Following the demise of Annadurai in 1969 due to cancer, M Karunanidhi took over the reins of the party and government. He was subsequently elected chief minister five times. MK Stalin will be taking over his father’s legacy and will be serving as chief minister of Tamil Nadu for th&nbsp;first time, in his nearly 50 years of political career.

The list of ministers largely consists of senior DMK leaders, successors of veteran leaders and includes only a few members of the younger generation.

Stalin holds the all-important chief minister post that encompasses Public, General administration, IAS, IPS, Home etc.&nbsp;

He will be assisted by Duraimurugan (water resources minister), KN Nehru (municipal administration minister), K&nbsp;Ponmudi (higher education minister), EV. Velu (public works minister), MA Subramanian (minister for medical and family welfare) and Palanivel Thiagarajan (minister for finance and human resources) among others.&nbsp;

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister-designate and Dravide Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin will have a 33-member cabinet. Stalin’s oath-taking will be held at 9 am on Friday in a small ceremony at the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence) in Chennai, amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic.

Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister-designate and Dravide Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) chief MK Stalin will have a 33-member cabinet. Stalin’s oath-taking will be held at 9 am on Friday in a small ceremony at the Raj Bhavan (Governor’s residence) in Chennai, amid the raging COVID-19 pandemic. The list of ministers released by the government does not include Chepauk MLA and Stalin’s son Udhayanidhi (who has been at the receiving end of criticism regarding blatant nepotism). It features only two women - Geetha Jeevan and Kayalvizhi Selvaraj. Earlier in the day, Stalin has urged his partymen and cadre to watch the swearing-in ceremony on television from their homes, given the pandemic surge. In a statement, he said he had hoped for a swearing-in where he could take oath in the presence of their party cadre that led their party to victory, but now it has become impossible owing to the pandemic. This is the sixth time that a DMK government will be sworn in to rule Tamil Nadu. DMK founder CN Annadurai was the first leader from the party to be elected chief minister in 1967. Following the demise of Annadurai in 1969 due to cancer, M Karunanidhi took over the reins of the party and government. He was subsequently elected chief minister five times. MK Stalin will be taking over his father’s legacy and will be serving as chief minister of Tamil Nadu for th first time, in his nearly 50 years of political career. The list of ministers largely consists of senior DMK leaders, successors of veteran leaders and includes only a few members of the younger generation. Stalin holds the all-important chief minister post that encompasses Public, General administration, IAS, IPS, Home etc. He will be assisted by Duraimurugan (water resources minister), KN Nehru (municipal administration minister), K Ponmudi (higher education minister), EV. Velu (public works minister), MA Subramanian (minister for medical and family welfare) and Palanivel Thiagarajan (minister for finance and human resources) among others.

MK Stalin’s cabinet to have 33 ministers; his son not included, only 2 women

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/supreme-court-put-on-hold-local-body-polls-in-9-newly-formed-districts-in-tamil-nadu-266599">DMK</a>) on Tuesday filed a petition in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhi-protests-supreme-court-to-hear-plea-after-violence-stops-268456">Supreme Court</a> against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019.

DMK President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-sujiths-demise-tamil-nadu-chief-minister-urges-public-to-cover-borewells-announces-solatium-of-rs-20-lakhs-258693">MK Stalin</a> also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today.

Protests were also held by party leaders Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran in Chennai Collectorate and Chepauk, respectively.

DMK chief MK Stalin even termed the law as a direct assault on secularism, equality, and fraternity and slammed the AIADMK saying its stand is "completely exposed for its decision to support this immoral legislation".

DMK party leaders and cadre have been protesting against the citizenship law ever since it was passed in both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President.

Protests have also erupted across the country over the new law.

The act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-protests-against-citizenship-amendment-act-the-story-so-far-268597/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. DMK President MK Stalin also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today.

The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Tuesday filed a petition in the Supreme Court against the recently-enacted Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019. DMK President MK Stalin also protested against the amended citizenship law in Kanchipuram today. Protests were also held by party leaders Kanimozhi and Dayanidhi Maran in Chennai Collectorate and Chepauk, respectively. DMK chief MK Stalin even termed the law as a direct assault on secularism, equality, and fraternity and slammed the AIADMK saying its stand is "completely exposed for its decision to support this immoral legislation". DMK party leaders and cadre have been protesting against the citizenship law ever since it was passed in both Houses of the Parliament and received the assent of the President. Protests have also erupted across the country over the new law. The act seeks to grant Indian citizenship to refugees from Hindu, Christian, Sikh, Buddhist and Parsi communities fleeing religious persecution from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh and who entered India on or before December 31, 2014.

DMK files petition in Supreme Court against Citizenship (Amendment) Act

mk-stalin-dmk

Mk Stalin Dmk, News on Mk Stalin Dmk, stories on Mk Stalin Dmk, articles on Mk Stalin Dmk, Mk Stalin Dmk stories at Wion, Mk Stalin Dmk news, Mk Stalin Dmk latest news

mk stalin-dmk

Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin defends government after opposition attacks over 5 deaths at IAF show

As a close friend & neighbour, India providing all possible assistance to Sri Lanka, says PM Modi

Tamil Nadu: MK Stalin signs five orders on poll promises, COVID-19 relief on day 1

MK Stalin’s cabinet to have 33 ministers; his son not included, only 2 women

DMK files petition in Supreme Court against Citizenship (Amendment) Act